Millionaire businessman and gambler Colin Davey has given up in his attempt to buy Norwich City, and is now turning his attentions to Town.

Norwich City owners Delia Smith and husband Michael Wyn Jones were unwilling to sell the club to Davey, who it appears wants more than the seat on a football club board for his £5 million.

Davey, who lives near Bury St Edmunds but was brought up a Norwich supporter, is now setting his sights on Town: "I am looking to acquire a controlling interest in a football club.

"I was hoping that Delia and Michael would want to sell me their shares, but I respect their decision not to. I will now explore other opportunities elsewhere.

"I have thought about the situation logically and, as I live in Suffolk and have businesses in Suffolk, it would be very hard to support a Norfolk team.

"I have got split loyalties but I am a businessman and I have to go for the club that offers me more and I feel this is Ipswich Town.

"I think Ipswich would fulfil my own benefits - they have bigger crowds and Ipswich have a better chance of promotion, Norwich always seem to go backwards after Christmas and the board seem very set in the ways.

"When I set my heart on something or start a project, I look at like a five or ten-year venture where we would start at the bottom, iron the problems out and keep the fans happy.

"I could be the next Roman Abramovich - I am a winner and any club I get involved in would go right to the top."

Davey plans to sell some of his companies for around £100 million early next year.

The 38-year-old's businesses, including a racing tipping service, are not uncontroversial. Trading Standards, the Advertising Standards Authority and the Citizens' Advice Bureau have all investigated them in recent years.

Town have not made any comment regarding any contact made with Davey.

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